League One Weekend Preview, Game 13

I arrived back from India this morning after 21 hours of travelling. My packed schedule of meetings, taxi's, hotels, meals and flights meant I didn't even manage to log onto the internet for any footballing updates other than headlines delivered to my mobile. A quick scan through Charlton Forever and Charlton Life today confirms my suspicion of growing supporter unrest. Parky has gone public saying he is "running out-of-patience," which sounds a bit worrying because it's the fans who traditionally do this and there's not a lot we can actually do to influence team morale, selection, tactics or changes when we do.


I have a horrible feeling of deja vu (all over again) and it feels like Phil Parkinson's management reign has finally been holed beneath the waterline. Pardew fought on for a couple of weeks when he reached this stage but the home hammering by Sheffield United was the straw that broke the camel's back. I can't see us getting anything at Carlisle tomorrow however hard I try and a defeat here would pile enormous pressure on everyone at the club with the visit, coincidentally enough, of Sheffield's other side to the Valley next week. Cue the drum-roll.


If we lose tomorrow, I won't blame Parky. I will blame the players he's brought to this club and for whom he has given relatively big opportunities. Ultimately, it is they who have let him down even if the final analysis proves he hasn't been a good enough manager. I am honestly hoping for a turnaround of Alex Ferguson proportions but I just can't see us putting together enough of a team performance to do it. It's high time Pawel Abbott repaid some of the faith Phil Parkinson showed in bringing him to the club.


Brentford v Peterborough United
It's Posh's home form that has propelled them to second-place and they have been mediocre away from London Road. Twenty-one goals at home and only seven away. Brentford are struggling and have largely kept things tight at home. A draw would probably be a decent result for both sides.
Prediction; 1-1


Brighton & Hove Albion v Yeovil Town
However disappointed we were with our performance last week, Brighton certainly played with plenty of confidence and that's probably all they need to beat Yeovil.
Prediction; 3-0


Carlisle United v Charlton Athletic
It's a long trip there and I think it will be even longer back. Carlisle slipped up at Exeter on Saturday and will be keen to make up lost ground on the promotion pack. I wouldn't be surprised if the pressure some of our players feel under is enough for someone to see red.
Prediction; 2-0


Colchester United v Notts County
Both of these sides have slipped in recent weeks but Colchester have still only lost once this season and their home results must improve shortly.
Prediction; 2-1


Hartlepool United v Bristol Rovers
Rovers have been hard to predict this season and like to upset the odds. Hartlepool blow hot and cold and this could be a stalemate.
Prediction; 1-1


MK Dons v Exeter City
MK went down fighting at Bournemouth where they lost 3-2 last week but had four booked and one sent off. They will scrap again tomorrow to preserve their unbeaten home record and that should see off plucky Exeter.
Predictions; 2-0


Plymouth Argyle v Huddersfield Town
Huddersfield are all or nothing away so far this season and my money's on them winning this against a Plymouth side that could very well go down this year.
Prediction; 0-2


Rochdale v Dagenham & Redbridge
The Daggers are bang in trouble and have managed only two points away from Corn-Beef City. One, of course, was at the Valley but I expect they will get no favours in Lancashire.
Prediction; 1-0


Sheffield Wednesday v AFC Bournemouth
Fourth play third here and this could be an entertaining game. Both sides won well last week and Bournemouth are having a right go every week. Wednesday are beginning to grind out results and I can see them doing it again before they pour south to SE7.
Prediction; 3-2


Southampton v Oldham Athletic
Southampton should climb above us in the table if they win here and I expect just that. they might just have started their long march...
Prediction; 2-0


Swindon Town v Leyton Orient
Swindon are on the mend and this is a meat n drink match. The O's are traditionally poor away from home and with only two points on the road this year, I am not expecting miracles here.
Prediction; 2-0


Walsall v Tranmere Rovers
A Fourth Division match in all but waiting this. Can't see there being many fans or goals either.
Prediction; 0-0